Drinks receptacle

ABSTRACT

A wine glass comprising a bowl connected to a stem which is connected to a base, wherein the stem is arranged to be movable relative to the bowl between first and second configurations.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a drinks receptacle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drinks receptacles come in many different shapes, sizes and styles.

In terms of drinking wine, cocktails or champagne, the receptaclecomprises a bowl standing on a stem above a base. The general term‘stemware’ is sometimes used. This allows the beverage to be heldwithout being warmed by the drinker's hands.

The receptacle can be of any shape, although the term ‘bowl’ is usedthroughout and is intended to cover goblet, cocktail and flute shapesalso The receptacle can be of any material, but is typically glass,crystal glass or plastics material.

In certain situations, for example on aircraft or trains, the motion oftravel can cause the beverage to be knocked-over or spilled. Inaircraft, in particular, turbulence is a common cause of drinks beingspilled over passengers. Storage of stemware in bulk, e.g. in anaircraft for passenger use, is also inconvenient because of the shapewhich does not lend itself to particularly efficient use of space.

It is possible to buy a drink receptacle, typically in the form of aplastic wine glass, which has wine already in the bowl and sealed withinthe bowl by a foil wrap extending over the top of the the bowl. Thereceptacle is purchased after which the foil lid is peeled off to accessthe wine. The receptacle is usually thrown away after use. Whilst suchreceptacles are suitable for non gaseous liquids, such as wine andwater, they are not suitable for carrying gaseous drinks such assparkling wine or Prosecco™.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention provides a liquid receptacle comprisinga bowl connected to a stem which is connected to a base, wherein thestem is arranged to be movable relative to the bowl between first andsecond configurations.

In one embodiment, the stem is arranged to be collapsible, for examplein a telescopic manner.

In another embodiment, the stem is hingedly connected to the bowl, sothat in use the stem and base can rotate relative to the bowl. Thearrangement of the stem and base may be such that it is movable betweena first position in which the base and stem are beneath the bowl, and asecond, stowed position in which the base overlies the opening of thebowl to provide a cover. In the second position, the stem can be held inposition within a recess formed in the outer surface of the bowl, e.g.using a friction fit.

In another embodiment, the bowl comprises a sleeve extending inwardlyfrom the bowl's lower external surface within which the stem isconnected and movable selectively between an extended configuration anda collapsed configuration.

In the collapsed configuration, the majority of the stem's length may bewithin the sleeve.

The interior surface of the sleeve may comprise upper and lowerspaced-apart locking portions and the outer surface of the stemcomprises a locking member which, in use, engages with one or other ofthe sleeve locking portions in the extended and collapsedconfigurations.

An elongate guide groove or flange may extend between the upper andlower locking portions on the interior surface of the sleeve to guidethe stem locking member between said locking portions.

The outer surface of the stem may comprise upper and lower lockingmembers, spaced apart by substantially the same distance as the sleeveupper and lower locking portions, such that, when in the extendedconfiguration, the upper locking member is engaged with the lowerlocking portion, and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lowerlocking members are engaged with the upper and lower locking portionsrespectively.

A pair of upper and a pair of lower sleeve locking portions may beprovided and the stem comprises a pair of upper locking members arrangedto engage, in the extended configuration, with the pair of lower lockingportions and, in the collapsed configuration, with the pair of upperlocking portions.

The stem may further comprise a pair of lower locking members arrangedto engage the pair of lower sleeve locking portions in the collapsedconfiguration.

The upper and lower locking portions may comprise an L-shape or bayonet-type engagement for the stem locking member(s).

The or each stem locking member may comprise a pair of protrusions onopposite sides of the stem.

A further aspect of the invention may comprise a drinks receptaclecomprising a bowl with an interior sleeve extending from the lowersurface of the bowl base, and a stem shaped so as to be at leastpartially locatable within the sleeve, wherein one or more L or bayonet-type locking portions are provided so that the stem in use can beselectively locked, e.g. using a twisting motion, in an extendedconfiguration and a collapsed configuration.

The sleeve may be arranged in both configurations to provide aliquid-retaining space, e.g. for holding frozen liquid. The sleeve maybe arranged such that the liquid-retaining space is adjacent the wall ofthe sleeve, and extends around the majority of said wall.

The rim of the bowl may comprise a lid engagement portion, e.g. a screwthread, on the interior surface.

The receptacle may further comprise a removable lid for sealing the bowlby means of a cooperating engagement portion on its exterior surface.

The removable lid may comprise a recessed upper surface with a grippingmember extended upwardly from the recessed upper surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, toaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b) are perspective views of a first embodiment drinkingreceptacle in the form of a wine glass;

FIG. 2 is a partial side view of the first embodiment wine glass;

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are side views of a second embodiment drinkingreceptacle in the form of a wine glass;

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) are perspective views of the second embodiment wineglass;

FIGS. 5(a) to (c) are perspective, side and cross-sectional views of athird embodiment wine glass in an extended configuration;

FIGS. 6(a) to (c) are perspective, side and cross-sectional views of theFIG. 5 wine glass in a collapsed configuration;

FIGS. 7(a) and (b) are perspective and cross-sectional views of the stemand base portion of the FIG. 5 wine glass;

FIGS. 8(a) and (b) are perspective and cross-sectional views of the bowlportion of the FIG. 5 wine glass;

FIGS. 9(a) to (c) are cross-sectional, side and perspective views of alid part for connection to the FIG. 5 wine glass; and

FIGS. 10(a) and (b) are perspective views of a tumbler without and witha lid part connected.

DETAILS DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIG. 1(a), an item of stemware according to a firstembodiment is provided in the form of a wine or champagne glass 1,although it can take any form and can be made of any material orcombination thereof. For ease of explanation, the term ‘wine glass’ willbe used throughout.

The wine glass 1 comprises a bowl 3 having an opening 4 at the top intowhich liquid can be poured and drunk from. From a distal end of the bowl3 extends an elongate stem 5 which can be of any cross-sectional shape.At the distal end of the stem 5 is a base 7 which is horizontal relativeto the stem and is used to support the wine glass 1 on a flat surface.

The stem and bowl may be formed from the same material or may bedifferent materials. For example the bowl may be made from plastic andthe stem from aluminium.

The wine glass 1 shown in FIG. 1(a) is configured to be collapsible fromthe shown configuration into the configuration shown in FIG. 1(b). Thisis by means of the stem 5 being telescopic, i.e. with at least oneportion of the stem being tubular and arranged to receive, within itsinterior, part of another stem portion. As shown in FIG. 1(b), thistelescopic stem 5 arrangement allows the bowl 3 to be movable downwardstowards the base 7 which lowers the centre of gravity and makesspillage, e.g. due to aircraft, train or car motion, less likely. Italso permits easy storage. For the avoidance of doubt, note that theshape or capacity or integrity of the bowl 3 does not change.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be seen that the stem 5 in this casecomprises first, second and third stem portions 11, 13, 15. The firstportion 11 is telescopically located within a bottom opening of thesecond portion 13, which is tubular. The second portion 13 istelescopically located within a bottom opening of the third stem portion15, which is also tubular. In this case, the third stem portion 15 mayalso telescopically locate within a hollow base section 17 which extendsfrom the lower outer surface of the bowl 3.

Any number of telescopic sections may be provided.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a second embodiment will be described.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) show a wine glass 20 in first (use) and second(stowed) configurations. In FIG. 3(a), the wine glass 20 comprises abowl 21 with upper opening 22. An elongate stem 23 extends from thebottom of the bowl 21 to a base 25, in an eccentric manner with the stembeing off-centre with a general C-shape. The connection between the stem23 and the base 25 is by a hinge or pivotable connection, which enablesthe stem and base to rotate relative to the bowl 21 into theconfiguration shown in FIG. 3(b). The connection between the stem 23 andbase 25 is reinforced by a fillet 28.

The outer surface of the bowl 21 has an elongate slot-like recess 26formed therein, shaped and dimensioned so that the stem 23, when fullyrotated to the FIG. 3(b) position, will locate neatly within the recessas shown, and the base 25 will locate over the opening 22 to provide acover. The stem 23 and recess 23 may together be dimensioned so thatthere is a friction fit between the two, which holds the wine glass 20in the FIG. 3(b) position, without gravity causing the reverse motion.Rather, user force is required to re-assume the FIG. 3(a) position.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) show perspective views corresponding to FIGS. 3(a)and 3(b).

Thus, it will be appreciated that, in the presence of aircraft, train orcar motion, spillage can be avoided or minimised by rotating the stem 23and base 25 to the stowed configuration, in which case the base coversthe opening 22, and the wine glass 20 can be hand-held until the motion,e.g. turbulence, subsides, at which point the initial configuration canbe returned-to for standing the glass on a tray.

Third and fourth embodiments will now be described.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, a third embodiment wine glass 30 is shown inrespective extended and collapsed configurations.

FIGS. 5(a)-(c) show different views of the glass 30 in the extendedform, comprising a bowl 31, stem 33 and base 35. The stem 33 and base 35are integrally formed but can be formed separately and connectedtogether. An optional lid 37 is also provided which has a lowerprojecting collar with a thread on its outer surface for engaging theinner circumferential surface of the bowl 31 having a correspondingthread.

As shown particularly in FIG. 5(c), the bowl 31 has an integrally formedhollow sleeve 39 projecting inwardly and upwards from the bowl's base,into the interior space of the bowl. The sleeve 39 has an internalchannel 40 which is sealed from the bowl's interior so that no liquidcan pass from the bowl to the channel.

The stem 33 and channel 40 are dimensioned such that the stem can moveup and down in the manner of a piston-and-cylinder, thereby providingthe extended and collapsed configurations (see also FIG. 6(c)). Thecross-sectional shape of the channel 40 and stem 33 are the same orsimilar to ensure a reasonably tight fit, and in this case are circularbut can be of any shape. As FIG. 6(c) shows, the length of the stem 33and channel 40 are dimensioned so that the stem is almost entirelywithin the sleeve when collapsed.

A locking system is arranged for selectively and temporarily locking therelative position of the stem 33 within the channel 40 in the extendedand collapsed configurations. This system will now be described,although it will be appreciated that alternatives are possible. Inoverview, the outer surface of the stem 33 comprises upper and lowerprotrusions, longitudinally spaced apart, which engage with indentationswithin the channel 40 to secure the stem in place in each position.

First, as shown clearly in FIGS. 5(c) and 6(c), there are two sets ofindentations formed in the inner surface of the channel 40; a lowerlocking portion 41 comprises two pairs of indentations or shallowrecesses formed near the base of the sleeve 39, and an upper lockingportion 43 comprises two pairs of indentations formed near the top ofthe sleeve. Each pair of indentations so referred to, arediametrically-opposed either side of the channel 40. The use of two suchpairs provides stability but in theory single pairs can be employed.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a close-up of the stem 33 is shown. A lowerlocking member 51 comprises a single pair of diametrically opposedprotrusions or studs formed on the outer surface of the stem 33. Anupper locking member 52 comprises two pairs of diametrically opposedprotrusions or studs likewise formed on the outer surface, in thecorresponding plane to the lower member 51.

It will therefore be apparent that, in the extended position shown inFIG. 5(c), the two pairs forming the upper locking member 52 locatewithin the correspondingly-positioned recesses of the lower lockingportion 41. In the collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 6(c), saidpairs of the upper locking member 52 locate within the recesses of theupper locking portion 43; at the same time, the pair of studs forming ofthe lower locking member 51 locate within the lower-two recess of thelower locking portion 41, providing an overall secure fit.

Travel between the two positions is by means of sliding travel along aninternal longitudinal groove, and locating the locking parts together isby means of a twist, or bayonet-type engagement. Referring to FIGS. 8(a)and 8(b), the stem 33 is first fed into the channel 40 by means ofsliding the upper locking studs 53 within a pair of insertion grooves 54on opposed parts of the inner surface of the channel 40. The stem 33 isthen rotated counter-clockwise (as indicated by the arrows) and thestuds 53 locate into recesses of the lower locking portion 41 ready foruse in the extended configuration. A further set of longitudinal grooves55, opposed on the inner surface of the channel 40, extend between thelower and upper portions 41, 43. The grooves 55 are entered by means ofrotating the stem 33, again counter-clockwise, causing the studs 53 topass through corresponding circumferential or helical channels, at whichpoint they can then slide upwardly through grooves 55 towards the upperportion 43. In this position, locking is achieved by rotating the stem33 clockwise, thereby causing the studs 51, 53 to rotate back through afurther set of circumferential/helical channels, away from the grooves55, and into the locked position shown in FIG. 6(c). The relative twistmotions are indicated by I, II and III in FIG. 8 b.

It will therefore be appreciated that selective movement between theextended and collapsed configurations can be achieved simply by usertwist action. In either configuration, the engagement between the stem33 and bowl 31 is stable.

A further feature of the third embodiment glass 30 is that the innerspace within the stem 33, which his hollow, can accept and store aquantity of fluid such as water. This permits water to be frozen withinthe channel 40 for chilling drink, e.g. wine or champagne, in thecollapsed configuration without diluting it.

Referring to FIGS. 9(a)-(c) the cap 37 is shown in more detail. The cap37 comprises a rim 61 joined to a base 62 via a frusto-conical surface63. A collar-like bezel 64 projects downwards from the rim 61 andcarries a screw-thread 65 for removably engaging with a like-formedthread 67 disposed on the inner upper rim of the bowl 31 (see FIG. 8).In this way, the drinking surface on the outer of the bowl's rim is notaffected. A handle 66 projects upwardly from the centre of the lid'sbase 62 to enable convenient and selective screwing and unscrewing.

The cap 37 therefore permits selective sealing and unsealing of theglass 30, which is useful if used on a flight, in a car or on a trainjourney where spillage may occur. This in addition to the collapsiblestate of the glass (which lowers its centre of gravity) prevents orreduces the chances of spillage.

FIGS. 10(a) and (b) shows the cap 37 used on an alternative form ofglass 70, which is non-stemware, but rather a tumbler.

As mentioned, the receptacles of the embodiments can be employed withdifferent sized and shaped bowls, and formed of any material, whetherplastics material, glass or crystal glass, for example. The material canbe of any colour and not necessarily transparent.

As noted, the bowl of all embodiments can be provided with a separatelid, for example a screw top lid, which connects to or over the rim ofthe bowl by means of co-operating spiral threads provided on the rim.

A crown cap can be used.

In addition, or alternatively, the bowl can be provided with a removableseal which is initially adhered to the rim. A pull-tab can be providedto facilitate the user removing the seal to facilitate opening. Theproduct can be provided with both the separate lid and the sealunderneath, with the seal being disposable, and the lid reusable. Theseal can be formed of aluminium foil, or similar material.

The bowl can have a lip on the rim.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are purelyillustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Othervariations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in theart upon reading the present application.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understoodto include any novel features or any novel combination of featureseither explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalizationthereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of anyapplication derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover anysuch features and/or combination of such features.

1. A liquid receptacle comprising a bowl connected to a stem which is connected to a base, wherein the stem is arranged to be movable relative to the bowl between first and second configurations, wherein the bowl comprises a sleeve extending inwardly from the bowl's lower external surface within which the stem is connected and movable selectively between an extended configuration and a collapsed configuration, wherein the interior surface of the sleeve comprising upper and lower spaced-apart locking portions and wherein the outer surface of the stem comprises upper and lower locking members, spaced apart by substantially the same distance as the sleeve upper and lower locking portions, such that, when in the extended configuration, the upper locking member is engaged with the lower locking portion, and in the collapsed configuration, the upper and lower locking members are engaged with the upper and lower locking portions respectively.
 2. The receptacle according to claim 1, arranged such that, in the collapsed configuration, the majority of the stem's length is within the sleeve.
 3. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein an elongate guide groove or flange extends between the upper and lower locking portions on the interior surface of the sleeve to guide the stem locking member between said locking portions.
 4. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein a pair of upper and a pair of lower sleeve locking portions are provided and the stem comprises a pair of upper locking members arranged to engage, in the extended configuration, with the pair of lower locking portions and, in the collapsed configuration, with the pair of upper locking portions.
 5. The receptacle according to claim 4, wherein the stem further comprises a pair of lower locking members arranged to engage the pair of lower sleeve locking portions in the collapsed configuration.
 6. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the upper and lower locking portions comprise an L-shape or bayonet-type engagement for the stem locking member(s).
 7. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein each stem locking member comprises a pair of protrusions on opposite sides of the stem.
 8. A drinks receptacle comprising a bowl with an interior sleeve extending from the lower surface of the bowl base, and a stem shaped so as to be at least partially locatable and movable within the sleeve between extended and collapsed configurations, wherein one or more L or bayonet-type locking portions are provided so that the stem in use can be selectively locked in each of the extended and collapsed configurations.
 9. The receptacle according to claim 8, wherein the sleeve is arranged in both configurations to provide a liquid-retaining space, e.g. for holding frozen liquid.
 10. The receptacle according to claim 8, wherein the sleeve is arranged such that the liquid-retaining space is substantially adjacent the wall of the sleeve, and extends around the majority of said wall.
 11. The receptacle according to claim 1, wherein the rim of the bowl comprises a lid engagement portion, e.g. a screw thread, on the interior surface.
 12. The receptacle according to claim 11, further comprising a removable lid for sealing the bowl by means of a cooperating engagement portion on its exterior surface.
 13. The receptacle according to claim 11, wherein the removable lid comprises a recessed upper surface with a gripping member extended upwardly from the recessed upper surface. 